Alone: Beth Ann's Story of Survival: Equipping Modern Patriots

Prologue

14 years ago...

Mom! Hold my hand! MOM! Beth Ann shouted to be heard over the din as she eyeballed the disinterested security guard leaning against the hand-painted Enter Here sign.

Her mother gripped Beth Ann’s small outstretched hand tightly as she led her family straight into the commotion: the excited voices of hundreds of strangers, vendors shouting, music coming from every direction, children squealing, random bouts of laughter. Even though Beth Ann was practically a fourth grader and shouldn’t be seen in public holding her mother’s hand, its safe comfort was worth the potential teasing.

Beth Ann loved–really, truly loved–going to the county fair. Every year, after the Fourth-of-July parade, she counted down the days by marking a large X on each square of the kitchen calendar, knowing that when the page turned to August, it would be time! And now, after weeks of waiting, the big day had come. But this year...THIS year was a big one for Beth Ann. She squirmed with barely contained excitement as she looked at the blue wristband her dad had just put on her. Blue! Finally! Just like her big brother’s band. And that meant one thing–she was finally tall enough to ride the Magic Mania, which for the last three years her brother had ridden with his hands in the air and his face wide open in delight, while she had stood watching with envy.

Com’on, guys! Christopher shouted, running ahead. He was eleven this summer...and brave, so he didn’t have to hold anyone’s hand. Beth Ann looked longingly at the carnival rides to her left while her mom pulled her to the right, following Christopher and her father to the tractors. Christopher climbed into the seat of a shiny green riding lawn mower, and dad stood beside him, pointing to the gauges and levers as he explained what each one did. The salesman headed in their direction, and Beth Ann had to run to keep up with her mom, who instantly accelerated to intercept what could be a potentially expensive conversation.

Let’s keep moving, dear, Betty said to her husband with a smile, placing her hand gently on his back with a little chuckle. Beth Ann loved to hear her mom laugh.

James grinned. Yes, dear, he said, giving his wife a quick kiss.

Ewww! Christopher declared as he scrambled down from his perch, trying to get as far away as possible. Beth Ann didn’t understand his aversion; she felt warm inside when her parents showed their love for each other.

As the Dalton family moved slowly down the path from the farm machinery, they entered a section where the majority of the vendor booths were located. There seemed to be an infinite number of tables with jewelry and t-shirts and wood-carvings and beer cozies and airbrushed license plates and hats and...oh, Beth Ann thought it was all wonderful. Her mom stopped to look at some pillows, but Beth Ann spotted colorful rag dolls on the next table. Since her mom had let go of her hand to dig through the bin, Beth Ann stepped slightly away, just to see the dolls a little closer. But, it wasn’t close enough, so she took another step around the corner of the table...and a couple more. She could still see her mom, she justified.

The dolls were simple, not like the porcelain doll at home that stayed on her bed; she wasn’t allowed to play with that. These ones didn’t have actual bodies, just fabric that bunched up at the neck and flowed down to where the bottom of the feet would be. Three tiny buttons at the neck and a satiny thin ribbon tied in a bow gave the neckline the appearance of a dress. The cloth face had hand-drawn features–pretty eyes and eyelashes, a stubby small nose with three freckles on each side, and rosy smiling lips. Fascinated, Beth Ann slowly reached out to touch the doll on top—

Beth! Beth Ann! her mom called. Beth...Ann! Her dad bolted from across the path, literally parting the crowd with his arms. Christopher trailed reluctantly.

I’m right here, mom! Beth Ann called as she started to run toward her mother. But her toe caught on something and she fell headlong, knocking her wrist hard against the edge of the table on her way to the ground. The lights in the booth flickered and went out, and Betty gasped. Beth Ann fell flat on her stomach and started to cry.

It’s okay! It’s okay, folks! the pot-bellied vendor said as he rushed forward to plug the extension cord back into the power strip. He knelt down where Beth Ann had fallen, and she heard him mumbling to himself. Every year I tell those people they need to cover these here cords with a mat or somethin.’ But they don’t never listen to me. No-sir-ee. They’re just a trippin’ hazard, and I say that every doggone year....

The lights in his booth flashed back on, and that’s when the man saw Beth Ann sitting in front of him on the ground, hugging her knees to her chest, eyes round with fear and silent tears flowing. Helping her up, he kindly asked over and over if she was okay, but she could only nod in humiliation and stare down at her feet, her breath coming in little gulps. Her mom scooped her up and carried her to a narrow grassy spot between two booths, off the busy path, to inspect her. She brushed the dirt and grass off her clothes and knees, and picked debris out of her pigtails. Her dad made her wiggle her fingers, declaring, Good news! You’ll live to see another birthday! She tried not to smile, but half of it came out anyway. She got lots of hugs and kisses to make her feel better, while impatient Christopher reminded them twice to hurry up.

The rest of the evening went pretty much according to their annual ritual, except for the weather. It was always hot and sticky in Western Pennsylvania in August, but this night felt hotter and stickier than ever. Beth Ann’s bangs were matted to her forehead and her face was streaked with the smeared mixture of dirt, sweat and tears. As much as she wanted it to rain and cool her off, she willed the clouds to lift so the rides wouldn’t be shut down. She just had to ride the Magic Mania tonight!

Her dad and Christopher bought their tickets for the demolition derby, while the girls parted to check out the animals: sheep, goats, pigs, and horses–in that order. The rain started when they were in the 4-H tent looking at the rabbits. Beth Ann could hear it coming: first a gust of wind, then a slight patter, and suddenly a rushing sound that drowned out the music and voices and car engines. She and her mom, along with a small handful of other people in the tent, ran to the open flaps to watch it rain.

Oh, no! It can’t rain! I want to ride the RIDES! Beth Ann whined, stomping her foot in protest and tugging at her blue wristband.

Let’s just wait and see, her mom said with her gift of infinite patience, turning Beth Ann around by the shoulders and pointing her in the direction of the rabbits. It might clear up. And if it does, half the people will have gone home and the lines for the rides will be short!

Beth Ann’s old play tennis shoes scuffed across the hard-packed dirt floor as she made her way back to the shelves stacked with rabbit enclosures. Her mom always had to say something positive, but she just felt like pouting. Now the rabbits didn’t seem at all interesting and she was bored.

But her mom was right...as always. The rain fell with a fury that lost momentum quickly and moved on, leaving large pools of water and mud behind. Darkness set in quickly under the cloud-covered sky, and the delayed demolition derby finally ended. Betty and Beth Ann navigated the mess with difficulty, winding through the hundreds of wet people flowing out of the grandstand area. Beth Ann spotted her dad first and then laughed at her brother, pointing at his soaking wet hair and clothes.

I don’t care! Christopher responded, pushing his sister’s arm down. At least I got cooled off! He stuck out his tongue at his little sister. She grinned back saucily.

Who wants to ride the rides? dad asked, changing the subject.

Me! Me! they shouted and jumped, forgetting their tiff.

After slogging their way through the muck to the upper side of the fairgrounds, the kids started with the burlap sack racing slides and worked their way to the Ferris wheel, the carousel, the parachutes and the spinning tea cups. Finally, after years and years and years of waiting, Beth Ann was in line for the Magic Mania. Unfortunately, she was required to share the seat with her brother, because her parents refused to ride this one on account of nausea or some such annoyance of the aged. But, it would be worth it.

Beth Ann glanced over the flimsy metal safety fence surrounding the ride to make sure her parents were still there. They saw her and waved enthusiastically. She didn’t wave back because she didn’t want to look as dorky as they did. But she did smile. She couldn’t help herself.

Christopher yanked her arm. Come on, Beth Ann! Pay attention! The line had moved up. They would get on after the next group! Her heart started pounding in her chest and she began to have second thoughts. Standing right in front of it, the ride looked much bigger than she remembered. Did she have enough courage? Was she ready? She gulped down her fear and clenched her hands. She couldn’t back down now. Christopher would call her a baby for the rest of her life.

Before she knew it, the music ended and the riders exited. The bored teen-aged ride attendant walked slowly to the entrance and opened it for the next group. Beth Ann’s legs felt like jelly as she approached the steps. In front of her, Christopher bolted up the three steps to claim a good seat, even though they were all going the same place...in a circle...over and over.

Beth Ann had just started up the steps when suddenly the Magic Mania went completely dark. She froze, foot in the air, and watched in horror as the lights on each ride went out in succession. People gasped and murmured as it grew darker and darker. Beth Ann turned around to see if her parents were still at the fence, but she forgot that she was on the steps and lost her balance. She fell forward into several people and ended up on the ground for the second time that night.

She tried to push herself up, but someone tripped over her. She yelped in pain. Mom! Dad! Christopher! she shouted, but now that everyone else was yelling, she couldn’t even hear her own voice. She wanted someone to come rescue her, but she was smart enough to realize that if she stayed down, she would be trampled. With great effort she forced herself to get up. Reaching her hands out in front of her into the darkness, Beth Ann tried to find the fence. It should have been right beside her, but she couldn’t find it.

The scene quickly spiraled into pure chaos. Invisible people, people who seemed much larger and stronger than in real life, pushed and jostled her as she tried to find her parents...or anything solid to hold onto or lean against. Dad! she tried again. The black hole seemed too big for her; she was drowning in it. Mom! Where are you?

One of the loose giants ran squarely into her and down she went again, this time falling against something hard and rough, like the walls in her basement. Standing up, she ran her hands along it as she walked to the corner, turned and kept going. She came to a door, but it was locked. Beth Ann leaned against the door, trying to be brave and thinking what to do next...besides cry. Looking around, she noticed small round lights bouncing haphazardly, and she realized the fairground security guards were running with flashlights. That little glimpse of light gave her hope. Mom! Mommy! she tried again...just maybe her mom would hear her.

I can help you find your mom, a voice spoke.

Beth Ann screamed. She had thought she was alone. She started backing up, but she kept her hands on the wall; she was terrified to lose the one solid thing in the horrid blackness.

Com’on, sweetie. I can help you. Don’t be afraid! The voice was following her–how could she not be afraid? She rounded the corner and moved faster. She felt something...or someone...brush her arm. With all her might, she punched and kicked and clawed into the thick nothingness. And then she ran. Away from the wall. Away from the voice. Now she was the one running into people. Running and pushing and panting.

Wham. She slammed full-body into the cement block wall. Somehow she had run in a full circle. That’s when she gave up. The voice was going to get her and there was nothing she could do about it. Sliding down the wall and burying her head between her knees, she let the pressure out in gulping sobs. She wrapped her arms tightly around her knees and thought maybe if she squeezed hard enough, she could shrink herself away.

It felt like hours, waiting in fear for something to happen. And even though there were hundreds of people yelling all around her, she had never felt the emptiness of being alone like tonight. Where were Mom and Dad? What had become of Christopher? Did he get off the ride? Beth Ann no longer cared about the fair or the Magic Mania. She just wanted to go home!

Suddenly, with a couple of flickers, the lights came back on, flooding Beth Ann with relief. There was no scary man beside her, waiting to snatch her. She stood slowly and looked around for her parents, swiping at her blurry eyes. Glancing at the silent Magic Mania, she shuddered, realizing life would never be the same again. That ten minutes of darkness had left a permanent scar on her young soul.

Chapter 1

Present Day...

Kenny! Where’s my Number Four? Beth Ann shouted to be heard over the exhaust fans and leaned her head as close to the steel shelf as possible without scorching her hair on the heat lamps. Mrs. Pascarella has been waiting almost fifteen minutes!

Without warning, Kenny’s red face appeared on the other side of the shelf, startling her into pulling back. I’ll get it when I feel like it! I’m cooking everyone else’s orders, too, so gimme a freakin’ break!

Beth Ann squinted her eyes and glared at him.

With an exaggerated huff Kenny turned his back to her and flipped a row of burgers, pressing each one down until it sizzled. An annoying beeping alarm went off and Kenny lunged to the fryers to pull out the fish planks and fries, grumbling under his breath.

As Kenny rushed around the kitchen, Little Joe came around the corner struggling with a heavy stack of plates. He loudly plopped them into a shallow box at the end of the prep line counter and arranged them into two stacks. He smiled shyly at Beth Ann and scurried back to the dish room. An awkward, gangly high school Junior, Little Joe was skittish and all the cooks picked on him mercilessly. But, he was a hard worker and Beth Ann tried to encourage him whenever possible.

They called him Little Joe–which he hated–to differentiate him from Big Joe, of course. Big Joe was not only bigger on the outside, he was bigger on the inside–aggressive, loud, and sometimes downright mean. Beth Ann thought Big Joe acted belligerent because he was insecure, and she mostly tried to avoid him. Thankfully, he wasn’t cooking today.

Kenny turned around and noticed that she was still standing at his window. Don’t you have salt shakers or ketchup bottles to fill? Go check your tables. Get outta here! he growled, brandishing his spatula at her.

I’m not going back out there until I have a plate in my hand for Mrs. Pascarella! She set her tray down with an emphasizing clang on the metal counter.

Good grief! It’s comin’ right now. She picked out a nice parsley sprig as Kenny tossed a half-warm grilled chicken breast onto a plate along with a scoop of blazing hot steak fries. He slid the plate across the warming shelf with such gusto that she barely caught it before it slid off the other side.

Just then, Sandy, the day’s shift manager, strode in from the dining room and clipped a new order to the turnstile. She gave it a little spin to rotate it halfway, announcing the new order to Kenny who scowled in reply. Hang in there, Kenny, she said in a soothing tone one might use on a frustrated two-year-old. Matt will be here in about twenty minutes. As she pivoted to head back out, Sandy glanced at Beth Ann and said, I seated you a two-top; I’ll get their drinks. She was gone before Beth Ann could thank her. Placing the garnish precisely as she had been trained, Beth Ann quickly set the plate on the tray and headed out of the kitchen to poor, hungry Mrs. Pascarella.

The early dinner rush was an indicator of a busy evening and before she knew it, they were locking the doors. Another half-hour to clean up, she thought, and I can go enjoy a long, hot shower. Obviously, the cold front and accumulating snow they were expecting in a couple days had inspired people to get out of their houses to enjoy the last of the dry, mid-40s weather. Sweeping at a record pace under the booths and around the tables, she chuckled to think that all her customers had probably stopped on their way home to strip store shelves bare of milk, bread and bottled water. She shook her head and wondered why it was always those three items...she would definitely buy toilet paper before milk. And maybe ice cream.

She took off her apron, heavy with coins and not-so-thick with bills, and put on her coat before saying goodbye to the crew. Beth Ann liked working at the diner. Her co-workers all had their quirks, but she had met some of her closest friends there and it was fun...sometimes. Even though an early childhood education degree hung on her bedroom wall, Beth Ann didn’t mind that she was still working at the diner. After all, there wasn’t a teaching job within a 50-mile radius that would pay her more than her tips from the diner. So, here she was...still living with her parents and still waiting tables. It wasn’t so bad. She called it contentment; her mom called it a rut.

Approaching her car in the parking lot, Beth Ann shivered in the cool night air and fumbled for the keys in her coat pocket. Suddenly they slipped out of her hands onto the pavement, and she let out a moan of tired frustration. Stooping to pick them up, she froze as a movement caught her eye.

Need some help? a voice asked. She screeched as she stood and whirled around to face the man, arms out in front to defend herself.

Oh, jeez! I didn't mean to scare you, Bethie. Kenny's eyes were wide, and he looked as startled as she felt. She started laughing hysterically as the adrenaline coursing through her body surged, then began to diffuse.

Kenny! You about gave me a heart attack! Her heart was indeed attacking her rib cage, pounding to be freed. Her legs threatened to give out, so she leaned her back against the car for support. Kenny bent down to pick up her keys. Good thing, because she didn't think she could move at all.

Handing her the keys, he grinned at her. Maybe you should walk out with someone when you're a closer. It's dark out here. And you're jumpy. Kenny did blow off steam when he worked, but overall he was a decent guy.

Yeah..., she nervously giggled, gaining a little more control over her body. I think you're right. Thanks for...getting my keys.... He turned away, and she somehow managed to get into her car. Letting the engine warm up, she gave herself a few minutes to calm down. In her small town, there were seldom violent crimes, so she usually didn't think twice about walking outside at night, even though she hated the dark.

An ache in her hands indicated that she was gripping the steering wheel a little too tightly. Missy, her first car, was a dependable 2002 Honda Civic. Even though she had racked up the miles driving to and from college, the little car was still going strong. Giving Missy an encouraging pat on the dashboard, she pulled out of the Table Talk Diner lot.

Home was only a couple short miles away–a small ranch at the outer edge of Tionesta, a rural village bordering the Allegheny National Forest, population of a whopping 453. She loved living in a small town where everyone knew everyone and the days were predictable. Home of the Wolves, the Native Americans had named it, and it brought a shivery thrill to Beth Ann’s shoulders every time she thought of her comfortable hometown in its primitive, untamed beginnings.

The homes on her street had been built near the end of World War II: modest, cookie-cutter ranches and cape cods, built for efficiency and economy. She preferred the older, more ornate Victorian homes; with their fancy turrets and gingerbread trim, they made her think of doll houses and castles. She grimaced at her useless romanticism and wondered when she would outgrow it. It certainly wasn’t serving any purpose. But when she pulled in her driveway, she felt a warmth from the golden light pouring out of the windows of a home filled with love. She was one of the lucky ones.

I'm ho-ome! she called in a sing-song voice as she entered the house from the garage. Her yellow lab mix, Romeo, was waiting at the door to greet her with his usual exaggerated welcome. Beth Ann knelt down to snuggle him close and rub his back. She had begged for a dog, and finally her parents had relented when she started high school. Instantly she had fallen in love with this one at the shelter and promptly named him the only appropriate name a fourteen-year-old girl could think of. Romeo's whole body wagged with his tail, as if he hadn't seen her in weeks.

Beth Ann found her mom was in the kitchen, unloading the dishwasher. Hi, Mom. I smell. I'm gettin’ in the shower.

Betty smiled as she watched her daughter use the toes of one foot to pull the heel of her black thick-soled shoe off the other foot. You know, dear, you need to untie your shoes first. You’re going to ruin them.

Beth Ann rolled her eyes. I know, I know! But my feet are killing me! I can't wait to get into my pajamas and sit down. C’mon, Romeo, she called, leaving her shoes where they fell and breezing out of the kitchen.

***

Betty saw a flashback glimpse of the teenager once again. She sighed and thought, Yes...time sure flies. Christopher was already married and farming nearby. Beth Ann was all grown up in a way, but she seemed to be stuck in a revolving door–just putting in her time until someone special came and whisked her away. She went for her degree because she felt like it was the right thing to do, but she didn't seem to have any career motivation or love interest. Turning back to the dishwasher, Betty sighed again. Beth Ann didn't seem too interested in any of the young men in town, so where would she possibly meet her Prince Charming if she stayed here? On the other hand, Betty didn't want her to move away; she sighed once more.

What's all this sighing I hear, Mrs. Dalton? James came into the kitchen and wrapped his arms around his wife, high-school sweetheart turned life-long partner. You should be humming and smiling, dreaming about our romantic 30th anniversary getaway! That's what I've been doing...and I'm just about all packed!

That's because you don’t do housework, and you just throw random things in your bag...without counting underwear or socks or matching anything. It was an accusation. And you don't have to accessorize or think about makeup and hair products and....

James kissed her, just to shut her up. She was always too serious when she had something on her mind. In this case, he knew it had nothing to do with his socks. He pulled back and just waited.

She took a deep breath and started to chuckle. Sorry, honey. Don't you worry. I’m very much looking forward to sunny beaches, a good book...and handsome pool boys! she said with a twinkle in her eye. She leaned her cheek against his chest. I was just thinking about Beth Ann. She seems so stuck here.

And whose child is she? James reminded his wife gently. He paused before continuing quietly. I think God has given her great potential. We've done our best, and now we have to give her some room...and some time...to find her way.

I know. I just want her to be happy. As if on cue, sounds of Tomorrow being belted out in the shower flowed from the hall bathroom. Betty and James laughed. Beth Ann had always liked musicals.

Let me hurry and finish these dishes, then I'll join you in the bedroom, Betty said, extricating herself from his arms.

Mmmmm...., James's eyes lit up as he grinned.

To pack! Betty emphasized with a snap of the dish towel at his middle-aged belly.

A grey-haired James clutched his heart and turned from the room, smiling.

***

The next morning, Beth Ann made her parents some coffee for the road as her dad loaded the bags in the car. They rarely left town, so this trip to Florida was a big deal for all concerned. She closed her eyes to appreciate the aroma of the brewing beverage more deeply. Coffee was something she couldn’t live without and would never give up for any reason. 

Her mom came rushing into the kitchen–she rushed every morning–with both hands held up to her ear. Here, Beth Ann. Can you help me get this earring in? I don’t have time to keep messing with it! Beth Ann smiled and calmly inserted the earring in a matter of seconds, wondering how much longer it would take them to leave. Thanks, honey! Now, where did I leave my purse?

Beth Ann dedicated the next ten minutes to helping her parents get everything together. Her dad came back into the house three times to check for forgotten things. Her mom kept nervously going through her mental checklist out loud: Did you get the phone chargers? The GPS for the rental car? Your toothbrush? Money? They repeated household instructions to Beth Ann as if she had forgotten what they told her yesterday...and the day before. Finally they were ready; they had truly just run out of things to fuss over.

Leaning in to hug her over-protective but loving parents, Beth Ann felt a strong wave of emotion rush over her. 

What’s wrong, dear? Her mom looked concerned. Are you nervous about staying here alone? Don’t forget the Howards next door promised to look in on you, and they are expecting you to call if you need anything. Oh, and you could maybe call Meghan or another friend and have them spend a night or two here with you. Romeo barked on cue, as he was obviously following the conversation. Yes, Romeo! We know you will take good care of her, too. Betty gave him a perfunctory pat on the head. And we’ll be back on Saturday, she said as she reached out and cupped Beth Ann’s cheek in her usual motherly way.

I...I’ll be fine. You guys have a good time–you need this. I love you both. A final hug and they were gone. Beth Ann watched them pull out of the driveway onto the road before shutting the garage door. She thought she would be excited to have the place to herself, but standing in the now silent house, she felt all alone. Romeo whined and leaned against her leg. Maybe she just needed more coffee.

Chapter 2

This is Meghan. Leave a message and I’ll call you back. Beth Ann hung up the phone and sulked. Meghan, her best friend since elementary school, was probably working. After graduation, Meghan went to nursing school and managed to get a job at the big hospital in Warren. It was a long commute, but Meghan was still able to live in Tionesta...which made Beth Ann happy. However, she worked so many hours, and had such an unpredictable schedule, that they weren’t able to get together very often. Why did things have to change? Beth Ann sent her a text to call when she finished her shift.

She tried Kristen next. She had met Kristen at school as well, which happens when everyone in town attends the same school, and saw her a lot more often because they both waited tables at the diner. Kristen didn’t answer, either, and Beth Ann wondered if she was at work. She texted Kristen and checked the time. It was almost 11:00 a.m.  Beth Ann didn’t realize it had taken her so long to get ready. After her parents left, she had watched the news and fixed her hair and makeup at a leisurely pace. Then she started a load of laundry, specifically to wash her work uniforms. She could probably wait another hour before she would have to make a big decision about whether or not to go shopping by herself.

Hoping to hear from Kristen soon, she logged onto her laptop and navigated to Facebook, then email. Finally, she ended up on Amazon for her daily check of Christmas specials with her favorite holiday playlist running in the background. Beth Ann loved the holiday season, especially the music. Singing full out with Mariah Carey to All I Want for Christmas, she almost missed hearing the phone ring. She grabbed her cell and muted the music at the same time. Hello? Kristen?

Hey, girl! What’s going on? the bubbly voice on the other end of the line asked.

Are you working today?

No, I needed an oil change and Aaron took me so we could do some window shopping while we waited. Aaron was Kristen’s boyfriend. It had been a long, rocky road for them, but it looked like they were finally getting the hang of it.

Oh. Wait...window shopping? What are you saying? Beth Ann shrieked into the phone.

We looked at rings! I’m so excited! I think he’s going to propose on Christmas! Ahhh! Kristen shrieked back, approaching that proverbial glass-shattering pitch.

O-M-G! I’m so happy for you! This has taken you guys forever! Beth Ann was happy for her friend, but she also felt a twinge of jealousy–one more friend leaving her behind and crossing into the mystical world of matrimony. Time to change the subject. So, I was calling earlier to see if you are free for a couple hours...or the rest of the day, actually. I have to finish up my Christmas shopping, and I need someone to go with me.

Kristen laughed. You ‘need’ someone, or you just don’t want to go alone?

Well, isn’t it more fun to go with a good, dear, sweet friend? Beth Ann begged.

Don’t worry! I’m free, and I would love to go with you. Where are we headed?

Just to the mall. I will treat you to dinner! When can I pick you up?

Whoa, horsey! What’s the rush? Can I at least eat some lunch and change my clothes? Kristen asked, laughing again.

Well, I have to open tomorrow at the diner, so I don’t wanna be late getting home. But you’re right–I’ll eat, too, and then I’ll be over. We’ll leave whenever you’re ready. They said their good-byes and hung up.

Beth Ann was anxious to get out of the house, but she didn't realize that she was hungry until Kristen mentioned lunch. She made a sandwich and zapped it in the microwave for twenty seconds; she didn’t like cold lunch meat. With a handful of pretzels and a glass of sweet tea, she was set. It didn't take long to lose all five Candy Crush lives on her phone while she ate, so she didn't linger. After brushing her teeth and digging through the store coupons on the kitchen counter for anything that was still current, she grabbed her coat and purse. Bye, Romeo. Be a good boy! she said as she ran out the door.

Her friend lived across the river from the diner, and it was nearly 1:00 when they finally left Kristen’s house. With a thirty minute drive ahead, Beth Ann calculated her time for the rest of the day. If she wanted to be home by 9:00, she would have to leave Cranberry by 8:15 so that she would have time to drop Kristen off at her house on the way. That meant being at her favorite steakhouse by 6:30, just in case it was busy. They would have almost five hours to shop.

"Girl, you are going to grow some serious wrinkles if you keep